Dogs, cats and kittens were found living in unsanitary conditions, many stacked in cages and crates around the home.

In what SPCA for Monterey County is calling one of the largest rescues of the year, 70 pets have been removed from a Greenfield home, located at 357 Apple Ave.

Advertisement

Authorities said many of the animals are sick with ear parasites and breathing problems.

Officials will have to humanely euthanize 26 of them have had to be humanely euthanized.

Neighbors said an elderly woman lives at the home, but is rarely seen outside.

Photos of the rescue operation show cats hiding in the closet behind hanging clothing, in small cages, under the couch and behind shelves.

"Quite a few were emaciated, all suffering from upper respiratory infections,” said Beth Brookhouser of the SPCA for Monterey County.

Neighbors said there wasn't much to raise their suspicions.

"We thought it was vacant,” said Frances Villanueva, who lives a couple doors down. “We always used to see cats going toward the fields to get mice. We'd see them walking back with mice in their mouths."

A total of 63 cats and kittens and 7 dogs were rescued.

Police were alerted with by an anonymous caller who reported the house, which has been red-tagged.

"There were so many cats,” Greenfield Police Chief Adele Frese said. “I know there’s a grand total, but while I was there, you could see numerous cats running off so we were only able to count the cats in custody."

Officers said a woman tried to leave the home as soon as she saw police.

"Very evasive behavior, difficult to pin down, even exact information and basic questions we were asking her just weren't being answered straight," Frese said.

Neighbors said an 84-year-old lives in the home, but they never saw her outside.